ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Elvis Andrus laughed and smiled in the clubhouse after Tuesday's All-Star Game. Sure, he was disappointed his American League team fell, 3-1. But that was in no way going to tarnish what was a fun rookie experinece at the All-Star Game.

"Everything about it was great," Andrus said. "From the Home Run Derby and parade and the game itself. I want to work and make sure I can come back here and do it again."

Andrus was a little mad at himself for his baserunning blunder. He slid past the second base bag in the sixth and was tagged out (he had pinch run for Derek Jeter after Jeter singled).

"I was too far across the base and couldn't hold it," Andrus said. "I was too close to the base, but I was as fast as Opening Day. My legs felt so great. I just kept going and couldn't stick my spikes on the base."

Despite that, Andrus had a good time in Anaheim. He stayed for the entire Home Run Derby because he wanted to soak it all in.

"Some of the guys were like, 'Let's go,'" Andrus said. "But I told them this was my first time and I was going to do it all."

He was involved with the players in a red carpet parade that went through Disneyland a few hours prior to the game. And he got the chance to spend some time in the clubhouse with locker mates Derek Jeter and David Ortiz. He said he had some moments to talk to several different players.

"The last two days have been amazing for me," Andrus said. "I just can't wait to have a chance to do it again."

Andrus said he was excited about starting the second half of the season and seeing what the Rangers can do as they make a playoff push.

"We haven't been to the playoffs for so many years and it's our time," Andrus said. "We all believe that. We have a group of guys in the right time at the right moment and hopefully we'll keep playing good baseball."